Samhuinn Fire Festival 2018

This information is specific to Samhuinn Fire Festival 2018. This page is here for reference and it is likely that details will change for 2019. Information about 2019’s festival will be posted closer to the time. Although the date of Samhuinn does not change year by year, some other details may do so please don’t use 2018’s information for listings or articles, online or otherwise, for 2019’s event. Thanks!

For the first time ever Samhuinn Fire Festival marks the turn of the seasons at the top of Calton Hill. That means more space, more performers, more drummers, and MORE FIRE.

This Samhuinn Fire Festival will be totally immersive as you wander between hundreds of otherworldly creatures battling it out all over the Hill. Get up close to this spectacular struggle between the seasons, brought to life by wild drumming, fire-dancing, acrobatics, and vibrant costumes.

WHEN?

Wednesday 31st October. Gates will open at 7PM. The event will finish at roughly 11PM.

WHERE?

At the top of Calton Hill in Edinburgh, entering from Regent Road near Waterloo Place.

Performers will enter from both sides of the Hill, so it is up to you whether you choose to follow the Winter or Summer forces, or move around to get a mixture of both.

HOW MUCH ARE TICKETS?

Tickets for Samhuinn Fire Festival have now sold out. There will be no tickets sold at the gate tomorrow – all tickets have now gone.

If you bought yours online, be sure to collect yours from Tickets Scotland’s shop at 127 Rose Street in Edinburgh before the event tomorrow night. You will not be able to collect yours from the box office on Calton Hill.

IS SAMHUINN FAMILY FRIENDLY?

Families with children are welcome at parents’ discretion. Please see our Accessibility section for a fuller description of the performance to help you decide whether Samhuinn will be suitable for your wee ones.

We are also hosting a FAMILY SAMHUINN event on Saturday 27th October at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, which will be a fun afternoon of storytelling and drama games.

ACCESSIBILITY

Calton Hill involves a sloping ascent and the festival takes place in darkness with some areas becoming very crowded, so you may want to consider attending with a friend and arriving early to ensure your comfort. Care should be taken moving around the Hill, as the ground away from the paths is uneven and can get a bit slippery if it rains.

Witnesses with mobility considerations often prefer to head straight to the stage area at the beginning to find a great place to watch from. Our friendly stewards will be on hand to help you get situated and give you any information you might need. Look out for the painted people in orange hi-vis jackets.

There will be loud noises, mostly in the form of drumming, and some flashing lights in the form of pyrotechnics and flash photography.

Some costumed performers will be mingling, in character, with our witnesses throughout the evening. There will be some partial nudity.

The festival is stewarded and complies with all relevant health and safety requirements but please be aware that it takes place in the dark with a mobile audience of thousands.

BFS cannot advise on parking or accommodation in, or travel to or within, Edinburgh.